OU football spring camp observations: LB Taylor Heim, others absent

NORMAN — Oklahoma’s spring practice session was once again defined as much by who was missing as by who was on the field, with injuries continuing to mount across the roster.

Linebacker Taylor Heim, projected to be a key piece in an already thin position group, was the most conspicuous absence. Team officials expect Heim to miss significant time after sustaining an injury, leaving the Sooners scrambling for depth at linebacker. James Nesta, another linebacker anticipated to take on a larger role this fall, led position warm-ups in Heim’s place.

The wide-receiver corps was similarly depleted. Five pass catchers—Jer’Michael Carter, Trell Harris, Parker Livingstone, Isaiah Sategna III and Elijah Thomas—were held out of Thursday’s work. Carter, Harris and Thomas have recently been spotted on crutches, while Thomas has been wearing a protective boot. Livingstone has been nursing an unspecified injury throughout the spring. The reason for Sategna’s absence, regarded by many inside the program as OU’s top receiver, remains unclear. With the regulars sidelined, first-team reps went to Mackenzie Alleyne, Manny Choice and Jacob Jordan.

On a more encouraging note, offensive lineman Ryan Fodje returned to the practice field as a limited participant, running with the second unit as he works his way back from injury. Defensive lineman Nigel Smith, however, was not present for the session.

The Sooners will continue spring workouts hoping to regain health before the annual spring game.